Thursday, September 6, 2012

Beautiful wreck

‘Cause we’re only
human,

Oh yes we are, only
human

If it’s our only
excuse, do you think we’ll

Keep on being only
human?

Oh yes, we are, only
human…

--Jason Mraz

This idea that we are “only” human is powerful. I’ve heard
it used as an excuse to explain natural limitations as in, “but I’m only
human.” At its most hurtful this is wielded as a weapon and spat out as in,
“well what do you expect, I’m only human!” Used as either weapon or excuse,
this keeps the person claiming to be “only human” from recognizing their limits
and taking responsibility for them. And to view being “only human” in this way
seems to me shortsighted.

I actually think our humanity, our naturally limited nature,
is one of our greatest gifts. It is our limitations that allow us to learn and
grow, it lets grace in, and it causes us to need others. My own limitations
have brought me pain, it is true, but they have also been the path I walked to
grace, gratitude and joy. Without my faults, I could hardly know any of these
God-given wonders.

But this grace I have experienced didn’t just wash over me
due to my shortcomings. I had to own up to them, take responsibility for my
mistakes and limitations; I had to embrace them in a way. If I had pushed them
away or denied them, I wouldn’t have been able to learn. It was in moving
toward my faults that I found freedom in them. I really see limitations as a
wonderful opportunity.

For without my limitations, how would I ever need anyone
else? Where would there be room in me for relationships with other people or
with the divine? How would I ever be able to let anyone else in?

It is my humanity that opens the door to compassion, for
self and others. It turns out that I’m just a beautiful wreck. And so are you.
What can I learn from this, how can I grow, and how can I serve other beautiful
wrecks that I encounter along the way?

Okay people! I don’t want to hear any more of this “but I’m
only human” stuff. Let’s have some “I’m human! Thank God, I’m human! Now what
shall I do with that today?”